Pontifex Maximus

Pontifex Maximus is a Latin term meaning "greatest priest," historically used in ancient Rome to denote the highest official of the College of Pontiffs, responsible for overseeing religious rituals and maintaining the state’s relationship with the gods. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the title was adopted by the Pope, signifying spiritual leadership in the Catholic Church. Today, it symbolizes the Pope's authority in religious matters and his role as a global spiritual leader, bridging the historical significance of religious governance from ancient Rome to modern Christianity.